About the Diversity and Civic Leadership Academy

The Diversity and Civic Leadership Academy, a project funded by Portland's Office of Neighborhood Involvement, will focus on individuals who are on the down side of power; who are often dismissed or excluded from leadership because of institutionalized barriers such as race, education, class, immigration status, culture or language, and who do not have an opportunity to otherwise develop their leadership skills. The Academy will seek to inspire and empower these individuals to express their voice, lead and contribute in meaningful ways.

All three partner organizations have years of experience developing and implementing leadership programs that target specific communities of color. Combined, this expertise is a rare opportunity to develop deep and lasting relationships across ethnic lines—in both long time communities of color and newcomer communities—that will undoubtedly seed the City of Portland with new leaders of color for years to come.